[03.24.05]

Greetings from under the black resistol hat. It’s great to be back and what a way to get the fourth season started.

Fusion 9 was a solid show. It felt like it was missing something but it was good nonetheless. I think things will pick up on Fusion 10 which will celebrate FCW’s four-year anniversary. I certainly can’t wait for the next show. It doesn’t seem like it’s been four years but like the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun.

Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton got things started with a great match. Jeff is reckless with his body and Randy kept up with him all the way. Stacy Keibler did not accompany Randy as she was in Baltimore dealing with a family emergency.

Chris Benoit and Kane had a good match. It was a bit short but effective. Benoit could carry a broom to a four star match. I would like to see him make his way back to the top.

Prototype and Shawn Michaels put on a great match. Prototype looks better each outing. His winning the TV title might have come as a surprise to some people but he deserves it. We finally got to see the unveiling of the Heartbreak Kid’s attacker or attackers as we discovered. Bret Hart and Marty Jannetty revealed themselves as they cost Michaels his TV title. Anyone who knows their history could certainly argue and Bret and Marty have reason, in their minds, to be angry.

Stone Cold and the Rock battled yet again, this time in a street fight and let me tell you, it was great to see these two in the ring. They have such chemistry with each other, it never gets old. Each man tried to beat the hell out of the other and it was Austin getting the better of the Rock on this night. Austin got the monkey off his back as he hadn’t beaten the Rock in FCW. I, for one, am glad to see the Texas Rattlesnake back in action.

The Fusion Overload is a great addition to the show. Getting to see more action is always a plus. Adding Kimo and La Resistance is good for the roster. Let’s see where they go from here.

Injury Report:

- Most everyone has recovered from whatever injuries were bothering them. There are exceptions of course.

- Kurt Angle has been suffering from pain in his neck for some time now as you know. He’s trying to treat it with physical therapy but could be out of action for quiet some time.

- Matt Hardy is suffering lingering effects from the concussion sustained at Darkest Day. He will be evaluated once again next week.

- Justin Credible pulled a hamstring while training but isn’t expected to miss any time.

- Kevin Nash twisted his knee at his home last week while walking up some stairs. He’s complaining of soreness and is being asked to be looked at by our doctors.

I think that adopting a more conservative in ring style has helped reduce the number of injuries. Our talent’s health is top priority.

So far, the rating for this show is a 6.14, which is more than we expected. Last season, Fusion averaged a 6.16 rating.

In the upcoming weeks will be hiring three or four road agents and trainers to assist both backstage and in training of our younger talent. We have a list of candidates that would be a great fit for the job. Bringing veterans in to help the young kids is a great thing that we need to start taking advantage of. That being said, look for more veterans to start making appearances on television more often.

On the talent front, there has been a good bit of activity. Several superstars have been signed and will debut shortly. Jim Cornette is doing a superb job as Director of Talent Relations.

Random Notes:

- Hulk Hogan has requested some time off to get his thoughts straight. It’s unsure if we’ll see Hogan back in an FCW ring.

- Taz was given the past episode off. He’s worked nearly every show since arriving in FCW.

- With the release of Gangrel, the Undertaker’s future with the company is uncertain. He’s a valuable asset and I’m sure something can be worked out.

- I don’t think we’ll ever see a title reign as long as the Midnight Express’s 1064 days as FCW Tag Team Champions. In the modern era, that number is incredible.

- The Horsemen are once again the most dominate group in wrestling and the numbers don’t lie. With three of six FCW titles in their possession and Flair, Storm and Prototype being ranked 1, 2 and 3 respectively, it’s proving to be hard to stop the group.

- Folks, it’s no secret my hatred for Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman. I sincerely hate their stinking guts. I think they are a cancer to an organization but at this point, it’s not my call. The owner of FCW, Joseph Dean makes those decisions, not good ole JR.

Until next time.

J.R.